Cold and Flu

It’s National Influenza Vaccination Week

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine. Seasonal flu vaccines have a very good safety track record and will protect you for one flu season.

The flu vaccine is available by shot or nasal spray.

The flu shot is:
• Made with inactivated (killed) flu virus
• Given by needle
• Approved for use in healthy people older than 6 months and people with chronic health conditions

Available in 3 types:
• Regular, for people 6 months and older
• High-dose, for people 65 and older.
• Intradermal, for people 18-64. This type of shot is given with a needle 90% smaller than a regular flu shot.

The nasal spray is:
• Made with weakened live flu virus
• Given with a mist sprayed in your nose
• Approved for healthy people between the ages of 2 and 49, except pregnant women

CDC will host a live Twitter chat on Wednesday, December 5 from 1-2 p.m. EDT, featuring CDC Influenza subject matter expert, Dr. Mike Jhung. The chat will emphasize that getting vaccinated in December, January and beyond is not too late and still provides protective benefit against influenza, to remind parents and providers of the need for certain children to receive a second dose for optimal protection, and to address questions about the flu and the flu vaccine. Participate or follow this event on Twitter @CDCFlu, #NIVW2012.

Everybody can do their part to help prevent the spread of germs and protect themselves from the flu. Follow FluGov on Twitter for a different flu tip each Friday (#FluTips).

Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More)